Guia da Herdade
Welcome to Herdade das Barradas da Serra
We opened our Farm & Country Hotel in 2009 with the idea of sharing this unique place with the world — a property that has belonged to our family for five generations.
Herdade das Barradas da Serra is proudly an active agricultural estate. With over 600 hectares of land, we prioritise a sustainable balance between our activity and a deep respect for the unique ecosystem of the Cork Oak Montado, which dominates almost the entire landscape.
We wanted to create a space that honoured our family’s history and traditions while blending harmoniously into the surrounding environment, always working with local companies and artisans whenever possible. We favour comfort without pretension, because we want you to feel at home and for this to be a place you will always want to return to.
We hope you enjoy your stay with us.
The Dias Family
History
Herdade das Barradas da Serra is part of a large group of family-owned estates that cover almost the entire Serra de Grândola.
At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, work in the countryside was very different — extremely hard, with little or no mechanisation, relying heavily on manual labour and draught animals.
Around 1960, the Estate employed more than 70 people, working with cattle, sheep and pigs, cereal production, forestry management, road maintenance, cleaning springs and wells, and many other essential rural activities.
There are still many traces of this strong human presence scattered across the estate — houses, animal pens, wells, threshing floors and other structures essential to rural life, which we hope to gradually restore.
Today, Herdade das Barradas da Serra comprises five estates: Barradas da Serra, Várzea das Barradas, Corte Freire, Cabeça Gorda and Pedras Alvas. Many neighbouring properties belong to other branches of the family, allowing close collaboration.
This privileged setting is the result of the hard work of many generations — men and women who shaped the land, from carving paths through the Serra with mules and pickaxes to today’s modern practices and the restored buildings we are proud to share with you.
Explore the Herdade
Herdade das Barradas da Serra is an active estate in the truest sense. Every day something is happening, depending on the season — cork harvesting, sowing, lambing season, hay production, forestry maintenance and much more.
We invite you to explore the estate and its many corners: the vegetable garden, the “Avenue of Giants” with our oldest cork oaks, the orchard, the sheep barn, and the six hundred hectares of preserved nature — whether on foot or by bicycle.
Activities
Marked Trails
The Estate includes several properties: Barradas da Serra, Várzea das Barradas, Cabeça Gorda, Corte Freire and Pedras Alvas. Our trails, mostly old cork extraction paths, wind through cork oak forests, along hilltops and beside seasonal streams.
They are one of our greatest sources of pride and attract visitors from around the world for walking and cycling.
If you did not bring a bicycle, you may rent one from us. We have Mondraker electric bikes and standard Trek bicycles available, including helmets. Please check availability and reserve at reception or via our WhatsApp Business link.
There are four marked trails, each with different distances and difficulty levels. All can be done on foot or by bike.
See the maps and descriptions of our routes.
Please always inform a team member before setting off. Ensure at least two hours of daylight remain, carry water and a mobile phone, and avoid going alone.
Well-Being
At the Herdade, we are deeply connected to our surroundings. While rooted in tradition, we value bringing together ancient knowledge and other cultures, blending them with the aromas and sensations of this land. Espaço Alecrim reflects this philosophy.
Individual or group yoga sessions, seasonal Sound Healing and massage services are available upon request.
See our Espaço Alecrim massage catalogue here.
Please request these services at least one day in advance whenever possible.
Flavours
From lunchtime onwards, our living room and porch offer a varied menu inspired by Alentejo flavours — perfect for long late-afternoon conversations or an evening by the fireplace.
We enjoy reinventing traditional flavours with influences from our travels. Keep an eye on the boards and our team’s suggestions, as we occasionally serve dishes and tapas not listed on the menu.
To view the full menu, please visit our menu link.
To order or reserve a table, use our WhatsApp Business link.
Dinner reservations must be made before 18:00.
Flavours outside the Herdade
Grândola e Interior
A Espiga (Grândola)
Traditional Alentejo food
Tel. 269 449 190 / 961 164 930
Villa Mariscos (Grândola)
Beerhouse, Fish and Seafood
Telef. 967 067 698
Morena Coffeeshop (Grândola)
Coffee shop / Brunch
A Venda (Silha do Pascoal)
Traditional tavern
Telef. 269 477 098
Restaurante Canal Caveira (Canal Caveira)
The best "Cozido à Portuguesa", traditional food
Telef. 269 478 178
(Santa Margarida da Serra)
Traditional Alentejo food
Telef. 968 091 367
(Grândola)
Traditional Alentejo food
Telef. 961 730 573
Close to the Sea ant the River Sado
O Fadista (Melides)
Fresh Fish and traditional food
Telef. 269 907 411
Tosca (Melides)
Pizza / Italian food
Telef. 913 429 897
Cavalariça (Comporta)
Local produce / international cuisine
Telef. 930 451 879
Comporta Café (Praia da Comporta)
Beach restaurant - Fresh Fish and seafood
Telef. 265 497 652 / 265 490 513 / 933 976 521
O Diniz (Lagoa Formosa/Praia do Carvalhal)
Fresh Fish and seafood
Telef. 967 977 193
A Papinha (Alcácer do Sal)
Traditional / Small traditional beerhouse / Seafood
Telef. 265 622 781
Useful Information
Electric Car Charging
The electric vehicle charging point in our main car park is a complimentary service for guests.
As it is free and cannot be reserved, we kindly ask for responsible use and consideration of other guests.
Entering and Leaving the Estate
Your room key includes a remote control that opens the estate gates.
The main gate near the public road must be opened with the remote both when entering and leaving. The hotel gate requires the remote only for entry; when exiting, it opens automatically.
For safety, wait until the gates are fully open before passing through.
In case of breakdown or emergency, contact +351 961 776 610.
Main Times
Check-in: 15:30 – 22:00
Check-out: 09:00 – 11:30
Breakfast: 09:00 – 11:00
Bar Service (Meals, salads, tapas):
13:30 – 15:00
19:30 – 21:00
Outside these hours, lighter options such as sandwiches, homemade cakes and tea are available.
The lounge closes at 22:00.
Driving within the estate
Always respect the speed limits established for everyone's safety and comfort.
Also remember that you are in nature and that there are small animals, such as toads and frogs, rabbits, lizards and other wildlife, which are difficult to see and cannot protect themselves from cars.
Around Us
